Baltimore Corps receives $500K donation to expand programming

Baltimore Corps is looking to grow its programs that enlist people to work in social innovation with a $500,000 donation from philanthropists Mark and Patricia Joseph of The Shelter Foundation.
It’s the largest donation the nonprofit has received to date.
“We have observed the work of Baltimore Corps for some time and have been highly impressed with their success and the important work they are doing, particularly in seeding city government with young talented people of color,” the Josephs said in a statement. Their philanthropy has benefited organizations like the Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore School of the Arts, College Bound, Thread and Teach for America.
The five-year-old organization that focuses on equity and racial justice started with a program that matches fellows with jobs in city government, at nonprofits as well as some impact-minded companies.
The cohorts are about 45 people, but CEO Fagan Harris said that about a year ago, the organization decided it wasn’t enough to do one cohort, so it expanded with a program called Place for Purpose, which is an approach to recruit and place talent year-round. The 20-person staff, based out of Touchpoint in Mondawmin Mall, now includes recruiters who are seeking out talent.
“We want to recruit the next generation of leaders who will be civic minded and focused on equity in the community,” Harris said.
Baltimore Corps also supports entrepreneurs through the Elevation Awards, which provides $10,000 in funding to community leaders who are taking new approaches to address challenges in the city, and are already leading social enterprises even if they aren’t familiar with the model. Harris said the funding could also help provide new avenues to assist entrepreneurs and small businesses.